The East German Take-Off: economy and design in transition

Since the opening of the Berlin Wall, a considerable number of noteworthy design ideas, concepts, and products have been created in the new German federal states. These creations provide stimulating ideas for the solution of urgent economic and social problems, and therefore deserve our attention. This publication presents a selection of companies from the new German states, along with their design and marketing strategies. It thereby provides an impression of the growing performance capabilities of East German industry in a European context. The discussion encompasses areas such as household goods, machines, vehicles, packaging, office design, and corporate design. Among other items, the wide range covers parking ticket machines from Thuringia, binoculars from Jena, locomotives from Hennningsdorf and the new look of a multi-cultural center in Berlin. This book addresses all those interested in design and at the same time contributes to strengthening the confidence in the structural transformation of this economic region.